A mechanical capsule separating system for commercial use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for separating organic and recyclable parts from coffee capsules/pods are inefficient due to incomplete separation, frequent dirtying and obstruction of feeding pipes, and contamination issues, requiring manual intervention and additional processing steps.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical system with a perforated basket and upper inlet pipe, combined with a rotating blade shaft and cleaning mechanism, allows for controlled feeding and separation of capsules/pods, minimizing contamination and facilitating easy cleaning of organic residues, optimizing the separation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a lateral inlet pipe is used to feed capsules into the separation basket, then the separation process can be initiated, but the organic contents stick to the pipe walls causing frequent obstruction and requiring manual cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional lateral inlet configuration by implementing a top inlet pipe that feeds capsules vertically downward into the separation basket. This inversion eliminates the problematic horizontal pipe section where organic contents accumulate and stick to walls, thereby preventing obstruction while maintaining continuous separation productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic lateral inlet pipe configuration from the system. By eliminating the horizontal feeding section that caused obstruction issues, the design achieves continuous operation without the need for manual cleaning interventions
2Productivity
If capsules are subjected to energetic movement and shaking for separation, then organic content exits the casing effectively, but the feeding pipe and outlet holes become dirty and obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful sticking property of organic contents into a beneficial self-cleaning mechanism. The damp organic material that normally sticks to surfaces is redirected to accumulate in a collection chamber at the bottom, where it periodically accumulates enough mass to be automatically ejected through an outlet, thereby cleaning the system without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary collection chamber that acts as a buffer between the separation basket and the external environment. This chamber collects organic residues that fall during separation, preventing them from immediately obstructing outlet holes, and facilitates their periodic removal through controlled ejection
3Reliability
If manual intervention is performed frequently to clean the feeding pipe, then obstruction is prevented, but machine efficiency decreases and operational time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service cleaning mechanism where the organic contents themselves are utilized to clean the system. The accumulation and periodic ejection of organic material through the bottom outlet automatically removes residues from the separation basket and feeding pathways, eliminating the need for external manual cleaning interventions and maximizing machine uptime
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively separates organic and recyclable components with reduced contamination and obstruction, enhancing the efficiency and practicality of the separation process, allowing for automated operation and improved recycling and composting outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
mechanical means (4) arranged in said separation compartment (8) adapted to tear, break or divide the casing of said capsules/pods
Implementation Method 2
allowing the organic part to exit from the casing, favoring the separation thereof, mainly by centrifugal force
Implementation Method 3
the capsules and/or pods slide inside the pipe by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus tears, breaks or divides into several parts the casing of capsules and/or pods containing coffee or other infusions, which allows the organic part contained therein to be separated from the recyclable part, consisting of the casing made of aluminum or plastic. The apparatus includes a perforated basket directly connected to a pipe arranged at the top, for feeding the empty pods or capsules, conforming the geometry of the system to eliminate the feeding pipe arranged by the side (which was subject to constant dirtying by the organic contents subjected to centrifugal force). The basket contains a tearing unit and has at least one opening at the top, the size and shape of which adjust the stay time of the capsules in the perforated basket or separation compartment. A cleaning unit cleans externally the perforated basket from the residues, which obstruct the side holes of the perforated basket.